This was sitting in my in my gmail inbox when I got back from HHI today:
Brian,
Stumbled across your Real Navy t-shirt design tonight via a Google search and I wanted to let you know I have the Real Navy brand trademarked as I have been using it since 2002. I saw your article about the New Navy or Regular Navy and that same thought is what prompted me to start Real Navy.
I would like to ask that you not use the Real Navy slogan. I understand how I feel when a good idea hits but I’m afraid that this idea that you had is already being done. I would appreciate your response.
Regards,
Mike Ward
Real Navy
http://www.realnavy.com
My first reaction was WTF, this guy’s got the phrase “Real Navy” copyrighted? Doesn’t Uncle Sam already have dibs on that? Have your lawyer call my lawyer.
But then I thought, he’s right, my bright ideas are always way past due. Why just a couple years ago I thought up one where you didn’t need your phone plugged in a jack in the wall and wires on poles to call people. I was all set to line up venture capital when someone pointed out that that had been possible since 1947. So if you were even remotely thinking about buying one of my shirts you had better do it within 24 hours, because I’m going to pull it from the CafePress shop. I’ll probably change the wording to something else, I wonder if he has any claim on, knowing the way real sailors think, Real Fucking Navy? 🙂
If you think my shirt stinks and it’s replacement is even worse, go check out Mike’s designs at RealNavy.com, something my strike your fancy there.
Brian, thanks for this response and the RealNavy.com plug, and don’t wory about the email reply.
Maybe I can start an LOB line at Real Navy, and BTW, ‘Real Fucking Navy’ is all yours. I know how real sailors think and sometimes I wonder how I made it this far.
Regards,
Mike
I’ve looked at the other guy’s designs and I don’t see what the big deal is all about. His designs are totally different from yours. Oh well.
Dave – SWMBO told me in no uncertain terms was I to try and sell ‘Real Fucking Navy’ shirts. Plus, I bet the folks at CafePress would have a problem with that slogan.
Will – That’s what I told Dave in an email reply. Add that to the fact that I haven’t sold a single shirt, I was definitely not a threat to his business and his request to cease and desist was in no way detrimental to my financial well-being, so I just redesigned the shirt. I would like to think we are all part of one happy family on this big ol’ internet thing.
I can feel the LOVE! Anchors away mate!